CLOSED: ID Please - Bright red bug resembles a tick

Watch Reply

Mark unread Print Skip to new

miatablu Brunswick, MD(Zone 6b) Jun 17, 2008

First time I ever saw a bug like this. Didn't kill it. Should I if I see again?

Post #5116099

Quote

suunto Sinks Grove, WV Jun 17, 2008

This appears to be a predatory mite in the family Trombidiidae called a velvet mite - see http://www.cirrusimage.com/Arachnid_velvet_mite.htm

Post #5116750

Quote

jeremyhalll Heath, OH Jun 17, 2008

It looks like a chigger to me :o

Post #5118602

Quote

suunto Sinks Grove, WV Jun 18, 2008

jeremyhalll may be correct. True chiggers (see http://mdc.mo.gov/nathis/arthopo/chiggers/images/chig2.jpg) are the six-legged larvae of mites in the family Trombiculidae. Some adult trombiculids (see http://www.ag.auburn.edu/enpl/newschoolipm/images/IS0151_1m.jpg) can appear very similar to velvet mites; however, they lack the dense coat of setae that give velvet mites their characteristic plush appearance. Unfortunately, that cannot be seen clearly in the image provided here.

Post #5121973

Quote

miatablu Brunswick, MD(Zone 6b) Jun 19, 2008

Well I was hoping for sure it was the velvet mite and was a good bug. Till I know for sure I'll let the critter live if I see one again. Maybe I can get a closer picture for a more positive ID. Thanks everyone.

Post #5127693

Quote

imzadi Jackson, SC(Zone 8a) Jun 21, 2008

chiggers are barely visiable to the naked eye so if you can see that its not a chigger. 1/150th of an inch. http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/pests/g07398.htm

had to do a report for school one year on these things for science. if you see it its most likely isnt a chigger.